10 Travel Destinations Everyone Will Be Obsessing Over in 2026, According to Industry Experts

Italy's second-largest island is stepping into the spotlight as travelers look beyond the country's most crowded summer hotspots. The island's famed Costa Smeralda has long drawn yacht-hopping jet-setters to glamorous resorts, but Sardinia's appeal goes far beyond its luxury beach scene. Much of the island remains wild and relatively undeveloped, with secluded coves, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hiking trails that wind through the mountainous interior.

New flight routes—including a nonstop flight from New York via Delta—make Sardinia easier to visit than ever. It's no wonder Sardinia is one of Expedia's top destinations of 2026, with 63 percent growth in year-over-year search.

For travelers inspired by the stories they read, Zermatt is emerging as one of the most enchanting destinations of 2026. The car-free Swiss alpine village—best known for its views of the iconic Matterhorn—has also gained a following among fantasy readers as the real-world inspiration for Velaris, the hidden city in Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

The trend reflects a broader shift toward literary-inspired travel. Vrbo reports that 91 percent of travelers are seeking getaways focused on reading and relaxation, while the #BookTok phenomenon is fueling interest in destinations tied to beloved books.

National Parks have always had major travel appeal in the U.S., but according to RVshare's 2026 travel report, "demand for popular, high-traffic parks is declining," while "interest in off-the-beaten-path parks...is increasing."

For instance, Yriberry calls the newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, a "rapidly growing destination for outdoor recreation." Located in West Virginia, this park is known for whitewater rafting, world-class rock climbing, and scenic hiking trails.

Another Expedia top destination for 2026, Okinawa showcases a very different side of Japan than travelers find in bustling cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Located in the East China Sea, the beachy subtropical island chain is all about a laid-back lifestyle.

Visitors come for snorkeling and diving in reef-filled turquoise waters, exploring historic sites tied to the former Ryukyu Kingdom—such as the reconstructed Shuri Castle—and sampling Okinawan cuisine, which blends Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences.

"Perhaps the popularity of Heated Rivalry has ignited an interest in Americans visiting our northern neighbors in Canada. Vacation rental demand to Canmore, Alberta, is up 20 percent year-over-year on Vrbo," notes a company spokesperson. The Rocky Mountain town is a less-crowded alternative to Banff, offering a charming small-town vibe, plenty of outdoor adventure, and scenic mountain views.

Want to travel to the Caribbean without a passport? St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands might be the answer. Demand for vacation rentals on the island has increased 20 percent year-over-year, according to Vrbo, and the destination is projected to receive nearly 3 million visitors in 2026.

Part of the appeal is convenience: As a U.S. territory, St. Thomas allows American travelers to enjoy a tropical getaway without the extra paperwork of international travel. Southwest also just launched new flights to the island from Orlando and Baltimore.

One of the biggest travel drivers of 2026 is the total solar eclipse on August 12. Two of the main destinations that will experience totality—when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, turning the sky dark—are Greenland and Iceland. Given limited hotel accommodations in both places, expedition and small-ship cruises are two of the best ways to visit them during the eclipse.

"We're seeing a notable last-minute surge in eclipse interest for 2026," Larson says. Availability is already limited, so book ASAP!

Ski travelers are also shifting their attention westward. Northern California mountain destinations are seeing rising interest as travelers seek alternatives to traditional Rocky Mountain ski resorts.

According to Vrbo data, Mammoth Lakes—home to Mammoth Mountain, which boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America that can stretch from November into early summer—saw a 38 percent increase in travel demand year-over-year. Nearby destinations such as South Lake Tahoe and Palisades Tahoe are also seeing strong growth.